Jose was the most alpha out of the better players last year. Been here forever, seen all types come and go, seems to be a great teacher, willing to fight back (garnett). Consistantly plays the right way, even defensively last year.

Bargnani could very well be this guy if he plays at his 2nd tier superstar level. Saw his willingness to communicate well on D when he actually played last year. I think he still doesn't realize how good he is at his best, or has some other self-confidence issue, etc. Will he shed the "Enigma" tag?

Great Thread...this is probably going to be the biggest issue for us this year as we transition to a new group of players.

I am going to have to go with Lowry (handling the ball, barking out orders, etc.), but I wouldn't count out JV. He has charisma for a young guy and I think once he gets comfortable in English Speaking countries, he will be a good leader.

Jose was the most alpha out of the better players last year. Been here forever, seen all types come and go, seems to be a great teacher, willing to fight back (garnett). Consistantly plays the right way, even defensively last year.

Bargnani could very well be this guy if he plays at his 2nd tier superstar level. Saw his willingness to communicate well on D when he actually played last year. I think he still doesn't realize how good he is at his best, or has some other self-confidence issue, etc. Will he shed the "Enigma" tag?

Not sure if any of you caught him when he first got here, he addressed the Raptors as his team. That he and Andrea would be running the show. I loved the confidence and I hope he doesn't back down. This is his chance to shine, max out as a player, and show the rest of the league why he deserves it all. Smack talk only gets you to the door, playing to back it up gets you through it.

If it is Lowry, the more he develops as the Alpha dog/team leader, the harder it will be for he and Jose (Calderon with no "e") to co-exist at the point position I would think. I like Quincy, but seriously, if a rookie is your team leader, and it's someone other than, maybe Blake Griffin, you have problems. I dont think the Alpha Dog has to be your best player. The most over the top AD is Garnett and while he is a great player, he's not the standout best player on that squad, now, or in the past couple of years.

A lot of you guys are confused as to what an Alpha dog is. Does he have to be your best player? Not necessarily, but he better be damn close. He is the guy that the team will look to when they need a tough hoop and the guy who will put the team on his back through tough stretches.

Amir, Landry Fields, Jose, Ed and other role players are ridiculus suggestions. Not nearly enough talent to be respected as an Alpha dog.

There are only two real options - because this guy needs to command the respect of this teamates (not through hustle and grit, but through actual performance). Its Lowry or AB.

I think people's reactions are right .. even though AB may be our best player .. he probably too much of a shrinking violet to be an alpha dog. As much as he has had the most offensive skill on the team for the last few years, hes taken a shockingly low amount of final shots. While part of that might be on the coach, part of that is for sure on him for not demanding the ball, posting up down the stretch and saying give me the f'n ball, Im either scoring or getting fouled (which he has the talent to do).

So - Im hoping Lowry is the guy. Hes got the talent, and I think hes got the mindset to go with it.

The only other possibility is DD - but based on what Ive seen, I dont see that as likely (although its at least possible - unlike the guys mentioned above)

I can see Lowry as the type of player that will get in a team mates face for continually missing defensive assignments. When that happens everyone will know he is the alpha dog. Similar to when Bosh chewed out Andrea all those years ago in the middle of a game.